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It’s almost impossible not to know who Chase Utley, the Readers’ Choice pick for Philly pro athlete, is. A main staple in the 2008 World Series Championship Phillies team, Utley is one of Philadelphia’s favorite and longest tenured athletes. The California native was drafted by the Phillies in ’00 and spent three years in the farm system before getting his major league start. Utley began his professional career in an explosive fashion, hitting a grand slam on his first at-bat.
In ’07 the Phillies gave Utley a huge wedding gift in the form of a 7-year, $85-million contract extension. For the first time in 14 seasons, the Phillies made a playoff appearance, which unfortunately didn’t end up in a World Series Championship. The following season, the Phillies won their first National League Pennant since 1993 and their first World Series since ’80. That October, after the Phillies championship parade down Broad Street, Utley was introduced by long-time broadcaster Harry Kalas to speak at Citizens Bank Park, where he delivered a controversial yet simultaneously endearing expletive that was broadcasted live on multiple channels around Philadelphia.
During the ’09 World Series, Utley became the second left-handed batter since Babe Ruth to hit two home runs in a World Series game against a left-handed pitcher. After the ’09 season, Utley started having chronic knee problems, leading to a slight drop off in his performance.
Utley has been a fan favorite since becoming a permanent fixture on the Phillies at second base, being voted into the All-Star Game from ’06 to ’10 and again last year. He also won the Silver Slugger Award from ’06 through ’09 for being the highest hitting second baseman. Despite heavily analyzed team management decision, Utley has shown no signs of wanting to leave Philadelphia.
Since-traded Eagles quarterback Nick Foles touched down in second place, with Phillies hurler Cole Hamels giving a southpaw salute in third.
Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.
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